Brexit tactics

SIR – During the Brexit negotiations, it is imperative that we prepare for their complete failure.

A clear demonstration that we expect talks to fail, and will be able to handle the consequences, will provide the best chance that a mutually beneficial deal is agreed.

Any suggestion that we are unwilling for there to be no deal will result in the EU taking an aggressive position – and, ultimately, by pushing its luck too far, increase the likelihood that there will be no deal.

Paul Goodson Plaxtol, Kent

SIR – The EU recognises the need for reform, and also wants to retain Britain as a member state. Britain, having voted to leave, is in a strong position to negotiate such reform.

Theresa May could propose EU reforms sufficient to justify a second referendum in Britain.

If the terms of EU membership evolved suitably, then the public would likely choose to remain. In this way, last June’s Brexit vote could be transformed into a catalyst for creating a better Europe.

Moreover, negotiations about the type of EU in which Britain would willingly participate could be positive and productive – unlike the prevailing undignified posturing about the terms of our departure.

John Longman Lymington, Hampshire

SIR – It appears that Emmanuel Macron, the new French president, along with some French officials in the EU administration, are determined to make political and financial capital from Brexit.

They might be reminded of the French withdrawal from Nato’s military arm in 1966. This, at a time of difficult relations with the Soviet Union, required US and Canadian forces, and staff from the international headquarters, to leave France in short order and with no compensation for the money invested in military infrastructure. Moreover, much extra money was then needed to resettle the military in other countries.

France remained a political member of Nato, creating waves when it suited her, while benefiting from the security that forward-based American, British and Canadian armed forces provided within the Nato alliance. A free ride: nice if you can get it.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon London SW1